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Database API

In last tutorial we left off by creating and migrating models. This means that we have everything ready and the only thing we need to do is add data into the database. For doing so Django has a Database API which allows us to access and manipulate the database using Python code only. Let's play with this API and learn them on the way. We can use the Python shell to do so. Type the following to open the Python shell

Django comes packaged with a URL dispatcher which let's you design cool elegant URL scheme. It let's you design URLs the way you want with no limitations as such. Also there is no URL extentions such as .php, .html or .cgi, which means a much more beautiful URL.

Setting up Database

Before we start with models let's understand how to setup database to work with Django. Django comes pre bundled and ready to work with SQLite database, which for development and for very small lightweight websites would be enough to wor with, but if the scale of the website or the user-base of the website is even moderately high, SQLite is definitely not enough.

We have gone through the installation and setup of environment in the previous blog post and set the stage for writing our first Django app. In this app we will have our first basic app, learn about the file structure of a Django app and get to know the basic files and concepts and its significance. On the way we understand these concepts through a simple example that we'll implement on the way.

Before starting with the project structure and coding for an app let's understand how to set up and kick-start a Django project. This guide will guide you through a simple, minimal installation that'll work while you go through the tutorial series. Later on will learn how to optimize, deploy and scale a Django application in detail.